Govind Mohan named new home secretary, succeeds Bhalla | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Government on Wednesday named culture secretary Govind Mohan as the new home secretary, replacing Ajay Bhalla, who is the longest-serving officer in the job. Mohan’s appointment as an officer on special duty marks his return to North Block having spent three years in home ministry handling Union territories. He has also had long stints in finance ministry, dealing with crucial issues, before moving to the cabinet secretariat, where he was involved with the successful resolution of the Enron dispute.
From home ministry, the IAS officer from the Sikkim cadre, moved as the culture secretary and was involved with projects from Modi govt’s point of view, ranging from installations in Parliament, including the Sengol, to Amrit Mahotsav, Har Ghar Tiranga and the proposed Yuge Yugeen Museum.
Among the key challenges awaiting him in his new assignment is the situation in J&K, especially with Election Commission looking at holding elections in the Union territory.
Besides, smooth implementation of the new criminal laws as well as the census, which has been pending for several years. The tension in Bangladesh has also created pressure at the border as there is an influx from the neighbouring nation, which will need careful handling.